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2008 AFC North Predictions & Preview

Jimmy Boyd's 2008 AFC North predictions provide a quick rundown of how he sees things shaping up in the division. Check out his individual team predictions for a more in depth look at each team by clicking on the links below.
 

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1st - Cleveland Browns

Over the past three years, the Browns have made more trades than any other team as GM Phil Savage lived up to his reputation as a mover and a shaker. This offseason, he brought in Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers to shore up the defensive line. Savage quick fixed the offensive line the year before and it became a key ingredient to Cleveland having a break through season offensively. By adding deep threat Donte Stallworth, the Browns have yet another offensive weapon for QB Derek Anderson to go to. I like Cleveland to build off of a 10-win season to take the North and make the playoffs.

2nd - Baltimore Ravens

After a disappointing 2007 to follow a stellar 2006, the Ravens will be back in the hunt because of their ferocious defense. Adding offensive wizard Cam Cameron to call the plays will finally allow this team to succeed on the offensive side of the football. A revived Willis McGahee will be the focal point and drafting Rutgers' Ray Rice gives the Ravens another talented back to spell him. Kyle Boller is the favorite to be the starting QB and I think he'll play much better knowing that the team drafted Joe Flacco to be their next star QB. Field position and defense will continue to win games for the Ravens, but their offense will not be as predictable with Cameron aboard.

3rd – Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers lost four of their last five games last season, including one in the playoffs. During that stretch, a weak offensive line was often exposed. Now, the Steelers have lost the best player on that line, Alan Faneca, and nothing was done to strengthen what is now the team's weakness. Drafting running back Rashard Mendenhall and big wide out Limas Sweed adds to a solid crop of offensive weapons, but a debilitating line will hold these guys back. Tomlin's defense ranked number one in his first season as coach. It will have to duplicate that performance for the Steelers to repeat as division champs, but that doesn't look likely.

4th - Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are terrible defensively and they have the worst team chemistry in the league. I could stop there and you guys would know why I'm picking them to bring up the rear. This offseason, the Bengals lost three of their best defensive players in free agency and dealt with constant pleas from Chad Johnson to be traded. Head coach Marvin Lewis responded by drafting a handful of defensive players and three receivers. He also signed two potential defensive starters in free agency and another receiver. With a disgruntled Chad Johnson and with Chris Henry no longer on the roster, a once feared offense won't look nearly as scary this season. The defense wasn't good to begin with and now it appears that Lewis is starting from scratch. It's been a sad collapse.

July 1st, 2008